Vol. 402 No. 5
30 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine his views on whether there is a need for the acquisition of larger fishing vessels with heavier tonnage in order to assist the development of the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In reply to this question I would refer the Deputy to the comprehensive statement on the framework for sea-fishing boat licensing policy which I made to the House on 30 May last.
In that statement, I explained in detail the parameters and constraints governing the entry of new boats to the Irish register. I explained in particular the major constraints on capacity arising from European Community fishing fleet policy. That policy is designed to address the problem of the serious overcapacity which exists in the Community as a whole. All member states are required to reduce their fleet capacities by 3 per cent below the end-1984 level. There are linkages between these restrictions and the availability of significant financial assistance for the fishing sector generally. Specifically, continuing financial assistance may not be made available to modernise and refurbish in non-complying member states.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have had to apply tough licensing policies over the last year or so as well as to establish a new fishing boat register. I am glad to be able to inform the House that the targets set by the European community for both 1989 and 1990 have been achieved, mainly as a result of these measures. I am, in addition, pleased to be able to inform the House that, on foot of these achievements, the EC Commission has this year approved a substantial aid programme for vessel construction (five grants to a total of £1 million) and modernisation (38 grants to a total of £1.48 million).
